Every year in December the Lights of Love service from St Michael’s Hospice offers the opportunity to remember a loved one by dedicating a star or heart on a Christmas tree. The trees will be in seven locations across the St Michael’s Hospice catchment area in Battle, Bexhill on Sea, Hastings Old Town, Hastings Crematorium, Rye, Ticehurst and at the Hospice itself in St Leonards on Sea.
Whether your loved one received the care of St Michael’s Hospice or not, young or old, local or from farther afield, all can be remembered with Lights of Love. Each star or heart will be placed next to a light on a tree at the location of your choice and the stars remain on the trees until New Year’s Eve.
Services will take place at all seven locations on Sunday December 7 at 3pm, with tree-lighting ceremonies at 4pm. The service in Rye will be at St Mary’s and refreshments will be available afterwards. Additionally, there will be a non-religious service at the Hospice in St Leonards on Sea on Thursday December 11 at 6pm .
“I am thrilled to announce Hastings Crematorium as a new venue this year and to be working again with Little Down Farm in Westfield, who donate the majority of our Christmas trees,” said Perdita Chamberlain, head of fundraising at St Michael’s Hospice. “Lights of Love offers a tangible way to remember your loved one at Christmastime. We are delighted to bring the services and trees to venues across Hastings and Rother, giving people across our catchment area the opportunity to connect with the Hospice and remember their loved ones.”
To receive a Lights of Love pack in the post please call Hospice Reception, on 01424 456377, or email with your name and postal address. You can also pick up a pack at any of the St Michael’s Hospice retail shops, the shop in Rye being at 31-33 Cinque Ports Street, Rye TN31 7AD.